Effects of Apolipoprotein H and STAT3 on Cell Clustering of Glioblastoma Multiforme Sub-Clones
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Abi Jomaa, Ryan
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Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a lethal primary brain cancer characterized by a World Health Organization grade IV tumor classification. Recurrence of this cancer is systemic, and median survival following diagnosis is 15 to 16 months. GBM are considered to have one of the highest levels of clonal heterogeneity, and tumor heterogeneity drives treatment resistance. It is therefore crucial to better understand clonal interactions within the tumor. Using a functional in-vitro model of clonal cooperation developed in our lab, we studied the effects of Apolipoprotein H (ApoH) and STAT3 on the clustering phenotype of U87MG subclones. While STAT3 had no effect on cell clustering, the protein component of ApoH was able to rescue clustering of clones in a serum starved environment. Results correlating Annexin II with cell clustering were inconclusive, but data does suggest that Annexin II may play a role in the clustering phenomenon. Understanding cell-cell communication and cooperation mechanisms within GBM is critical to developing novel therapies. Our results demonstrate that clustering of U87MG subclones is dependent on ApoH, may provide a foundation for regulating clonal interaction in GBM.
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Apolipoprotein H, STAT3, U87MG, Glioblastoma multiforme, Cell clustering